where you can make them yourself, using my tips, tricks,
printables, patterns, and detailed instructions.

So,
what exactly are SWAPS?

SWAPS started as a
way to break the ice between scouts, to spark conversations and
help make new friends. They were widely exchanged at national Girl
Scout Senior Roundups in the 1950s and 1960s. They have since
regained popularity and now, while SWAPS do still foster
friendships, they are also considered collectibles with scouts
hoping to gather as many different ones as possible. They make
great mementos from special occasions. SWAPS can also be included
with thank you notes to sponsors, volunteers, and others as a
nice, personal touch from the kids.

Swaps are small items
or crafts, usually only an inch or two, usually with a pin
attached. (They don't have to be pins. Bracelets and necklaces are acceptable as well.)
The variety is endless. SWAPS can be cheap and simple or expensive
and complex, but it isn't necessary to spend a lot of money to
make something amazing! They can be made out of many recycled or
natural materials, or just about anything else. Your imagination
is your only limitation, and if you can't think of anything, there
are a million ideas out there already just waiting for you to put
your own spin to them.

SWAPS often tell
something about the giver themselves or the area they come from,
their community, or local council. They are also made to fit
special themed events or activities. SWAPS usually have a tag
attached with the givers name and troop number, their city and
state, and sometimes even their email address, so that new friends
can stay in contact. Including the event name and date is also
recommended, so SWAPS can be identified later on.

These highly
collectible items are typically worn on hats or camp shirts, but
are also often proudly displayed on tote bags or on a banner that
can hang in the scout's home or in their troop's meeting place.
They can also be kept in keepsake boxes, the decoration of which
can be a troop activity. Shadow boxes are a great idea, too,
especially for your favorite and most original SWAPS!

Swapping
Etiquette

SWAPS should be
handmade, if at all possible. It isn't how fancy your SWAP is
that's important. It's the smile with which it's given and the
value of a new friend made that matters.

Never refuse to SWAP
with someone, even if their SWAP isn't the most exciting. Be
courteous and polite. Not everyone's skills or resources are equal
and it's the thought that counts.

Never give away a
SWAP someone has given to you.

Always say thank you!

If possible, bring
extra SWAPS when going to an event where swapping will occur. Some
people might run out or even forget theirs altogether, and it is
always a Girl Scout "good turn" to give to those who have few or
none.

Carry the SWAPS you
want to trade separately from the ones you want to keep/have
received.

Swapping
Tips

Make sure each of
your scouts has a different kind of SWAP and that they bring
enough for the event. Try to have enough for each event
participant and staff member. Even the grownups love SWAPS. The
more unique the better, so don't be afraid to personalize and
embellish existing ideas to make them your own.

Keep your scouts
involved in the decision making process. Let them help decide what
SWAPS they want to make.

If the SWAPS are to
include a scout's contact information, make sure to check with
their parent/guardian first for permission. If they are
uncomfortable with this, you can use initials or just your troop
number on your tags, in addition to the event name and date.

Try to make your
SWAPS something you would like to receive.

Use the right glue.
This is a big one if you want to avoid frustration. I recommend
craft/tacky glue for most SWAPS, unless otherwise indicated for
items that require hot glue. School glue is very rarely
recommended as it is thinner, dries more slowly, and doesn't
create a strong bond the way craft/tacky glue does.

Don't spend a lot of
money. Found/recycled items along with cheap craft supplies are
enough to make amazing things. The dollar store is your friend!

Ask friends and
family to save bottle lids and any other items on my Things
You Should Never Throw Away list that you think you might
find useful.

Make sure you leave
yourself enough time for assembly. Remember to take drying time
into account. Sometimes things need to be allowed to dry between
steps.

Keep all your SWAPS
craft supplies, including The
Essentials, in one place.

Swapping
Don'ts

Do not use glass or
other sharp objects in SWAPS, pins excluded of course. Fold in the
ends of pipe cleaners to avoid pokey ends. Use common sense and
don't include anything dangerous.

Avoid using food in
your SWAPS unless it is individually wrapped, so as to not attract
bugs. Food items also can't be kept as keepsakes, so it is best to
avoid them as much as possible. Also, keep food allergies in mind.
Peanut shells are not recommended.

Don't make the SWAPS
for your scouts. The scouts should make them themselves so they're
excited to share something they created with their own hands.
Prepping is fine: gathering supplies, pre-cutting things,
painting/spray painting if necessary; especially for the younger
scouts, but make sure they get to assemble them on their own.

I would love to know if you're using my SWAPS! I always
enjoyed hearing how scouts enjoyed my kits. Happy kids bring
a smile to my face and make all the time and effort
worthwhile

It would be wonderful if you could take a moment to
leave a comment telling me when/where/for what event you're
using one of my
items/files/designs. Even better, come back and let me know
how the SWAPS went over with the recipients!